Perhaps, the essence of life is 'learning'. If learning is not the essence of life then it is closely linked to the essence. This must be so or why would we be blessed with such brain-powerhouses? I mean, why bother having 100,000,000,000 neurons in each human brain if each person is not intended to put them to good use?

Leaders are life-long learners.

Spirited Leaders value life-long learning. LINK

Every leader can improve his or her capacity to learn.

Here are some of the Ways To Improve Your Capacity To Learn:

1. Focus On Seeking Specialized Knowledge: Set aside time to obtain knowledge required to achieve your goals. Book time into your calendar. 
2. Seek knowledge Internally: Solidify in your mind what you believe, with certainty, to be facts then use deductive reasoning to add pieces of knowledge, expanding your linked-network of specialized, clear knowledge...picture it growing like clear crystals grow. This is your Crystalline Knowledge. Or, if you prefer, imagine your neurons - all those axons, dendrites, & synapses - making hard-wired connections...building your Neuronal Network of Specialized Knowledge.
3. Seek Knowledge Externally: 'Borrow Brilliance' from others...select technical experts, role models, and Heroes and blend their knowledge and wisdom with your thoughts.
4. Open Your Mind To Patterns: Allow your intuition a free reign. Then attend and use it to expand your Crystalline Knowledge.
5. Pay Attentions To Nuances: Devils and other magical things lie in the details; also, good things come in small packages. You can store vast quantities of this important nuance-knowledge in invisible packages, in your mind, which you can open on demand.